13 Best sun umbrellas and garden parasols for summer 2023
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SPRING is in the air and it's a great time to start getting your garden or patio ready with one of the best sun umbrellas.
Sun umbrellas are a summer essential for enjoying your garden with some much-needed shade.
They come in all shapes and sizes, from super compact and space-saving to extra-large canopies that could cover your whole patio.
There's also a wide range of types, such as simple upright poles you stake in the ground, tilting umbrellas - and cantilever or banana parasols, where the pole sits to one side and the canopy is suspended.
The canopy fabric also varies as this can be water or UV resistant - as well as the pole material, which could be steel, aluminium or wood - each of which has pros and cons when it comes to stability and the overall look of the umbrella in your garden.
Plus, some patio umbrellas have extra features such as Bluetooth speakers, lights or even heaters.
With all this to consider - which sun umbrella is right for you? We're here to help with a round-up of 13 of the best garden parasols for 2023 - with a range of styles to suit every budget.
Best sun umbrellas at a glance:
- Best adjustable:
- Best for parties:
- Best for the beach:
- Best wooden:
- Best water resistant:
- Best on a budget:
- Best space-saving:
Best adjustable: Elements Grey Cantilever Parasol
- 3m Elements Grey Cantilever Parasol, £79 at Dunelm -
Cantilever parasols offer plenty of flexibility so you can adjust as required to find your perfectly shaded area.
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This Elements sun umbrella from Dunelm has an easy-to-use crank so you can adjust the 3m canopy position.
It's freestanding and comes with a base - but base weights are also required to ensure the parasol is secure. It also has a one-year guarantee for peace of mind.
Best for parties: Suntime Adjustable Parasol with Bluetooth Speaker and LED Lights
- Suntime 2.7m Adjustable Parasol with Bluetooth Speaker and LED Lights, Black, £169 at John Lewis -
If you're looking for something a bit extra, this Suntime parasol has some nice features for summer BBQs and garden gatherings.
The 2.7m umbrella has a crank and tilt mechanism so you adjust it for the shade you need.
It also features both a Bluetooth-enabled speaker and LED lights - both powered by solar panels - so you can easily play tunes and light up your space on a summer's evening.
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Best for the beach: Business & Pleasure Co. Premium Umbrella
- Business & Pleasure Co. Premium Umbrella, £295 at The White Company -
As garden umbrellas go, it doesn't get more chic than this Business & Pleasure parasol from The White Company.
Be the envy of your fellow beach-goers, or add a little luxury to your own backyard, with this umbrella - with a laminated reclaimed wood pole and canvas canopy with pretty fringing.
It's designed to be staked in the ground so ideal for the beach - plus, it comes with a matching carry bag so it's easy to transport.
Best wooden: Outsunny Wooden Garden Parasol
- Outsunny 2.5M Wooden Garden Parasol Sun Shade Outdoor Umbrella Canopy Beige, £48.99 at Robert Dyas -
A traditional wooden patio umbrella looks oh-so stylish and we love the look of this Outsunny option, matched with a beige canopy.
The wooden pole will keep the parasol sturdy and secure - along with the six Bamboo umbrella ribs frame.
Plus, the polyester canopy has air vents to allow wind flow and makes the umbrella less likely to topple over on a windy day.
Best extra large: Dakota Fields Amling 3.5m Cantilever Parasol
- Dakota Fields Amling 3.5m Cantilever Parasol, £719.99 at Wayfair -
If you have a large garden or outdoor space that needs shade, this Dakota Fields Amling parasol could be just the thing.
The canopy is 3.9m wide, with a crank lift and manual tilt to get the exact angle and position you need.
The polyester canopy is also water, UV and fade-resistant. It's a pricey purchase but an investment that should last you for years.
Best water resistant: Blue Elephant Traditional Parasol
- Blue Elephant Traditional Parasol, £59.99 (on offer) at Wayfair -
This clever garden parasol has tons of great features and all for a great price, with 22% off.
Available in five colours, it has a water and UV-resistant canopy and includes 32 LED lights powered by a solar panel at the top.
You can open and close the umbrella easily with a hand crank and also tilt it at the push of a button to get the shade you need.
Best on a budget: Argos Home 1.6m Garden Parasol
- Argos Home 1.6m Garden Parasol - Blue, £22 at Argos -
If you don't need fancy features, this purse-friendly parasol will get the job done, fuss-free.
It has a 1.6m diameter and water-repellent canopy - along with an adjustable height.
It's well-reviewed with one customer saying "Great value for money" and another claiming "what a bargain!"
Best for UV protection: PHIVILLA Garden Parasol
- PHIVILLA Garden Parasol 3×2.5 M Garden Umbrella Sun Umbrella for Garden Revolve Handle UV 50+, £109 at Amazon -
Many garden umbrellas are made from UV-resistant material but this Phivilla parasol is well up there with a 50+ UV rating, blocking 98% of the sun's rays.
It also has a clever double-vents structure, which allows good airflow and makes the parasol more stable in blustery weather.
The pole is made from rust-resistant aluminium and there is a revolving handle so you find the perfect angle for the best shade.
Best banana parasol: VonHaus Banana Parasol
- VonHaus Banana Parasol 3M, Cantilever Hanging Parasol Umbrella for Garden, Sun Shade Canopy with Crank, Steel Frame, UV30+, Grey, £99.99 at B&Q -
A banana or hanging parasol, allows you to target a specific area you want to be shaded from the sun, without the pole getting in the way.
This kind of garden umbrella is stable and easy to use, provides plenty of shade and looks really stylish in your outside space. But all this often comes with a hefty price tag, so we think this VonHaus parasol is a great offer.
It's strong and durable with a rust-resistant steel frame, along with an easy-crank mechanism to open and close and a 3m canopy for plenty of cover.
Best for garden dining: M&S Rectangular Tilting Parasol
- Rectangular Tilting Parasol, £99 at M&S -
Looking for a parasol for your garden table? You can easily stay in the shade when you're eating al fresco with this M&S tilting patio umbrella.
It's fairly compact with a 3m diameter and has a contemporary style thanks to the metal structure and sage green, rectangular canopy.
Best space-saving: Christow half-moon patio umbrella
- 2.7m Half Parasol, £34.99 (on sale) at Christow Home -
Looking for a space-saver? For smaller gardens and patios this half-moon patio umbrella still offers plenty of shade but covers a much smaller area.
It's controlled via a crank handle and the pole, ribs, and handle are made from sturdy steel, while the canopy is durable polyester.
The parasol has two sections that can be assembled together easily, or taken apart for space-saving storage.
Best wind-up: Ikea SEGLARÖ / HJÄLTÖN Parasol
- SEGLARÖ / HJÄLTÖN Parasol, £350 at Ikea -
An excellent UV umbrella with canopy fabric offering a rating of 50+, this Ikea parasol blocks 98% of sunlight. Plus, the canopy is also water-resistant if there's a passing shower.
The umbrella is really easy to adjust - using the winding crank to move it to the desired height and then open out the canopy (or close it after use).
The parasol can be rotated 360 degrees and tilted - and is free-hanging so the pole won't get in your way.
Best parasol heater: Parasol Patio Heater by Heatlab®
- 2kW IP34 Electric Quartz Bulb Parasol Patio Heater by Heatlab®, £119.99 at Primrose -
A patio heater and garden umbrella in one, this Parasol Patio Heater by Heatlab® will allow you to enjoy your garden, whatever the weather.
There are three heaters and you can choose which you want to put on, so you're able to heat different sides of your garden table if you wish.
Plus, the heaters can collapse down around the pole so you can store the parasol away easily and without taking up too much space.
Can you catch the sun under an umbrella?
Yes, although umbrellas provide shade and some UV protection - depending on the umbrella - it is still recommended to use sunscreen to protect yourself from possible sunburn.
What colour umbrella is best for sun protection?
It's not the most important factor - and you should check the UV rating of an individual parasol - but according to studies, darker colours absorb more UV and therefore offer you more protection from the sun.
Can I use a rain umbrella for the sun?
Yes, rain umbrellas can offer shade and some UV protection - often blocking around 77% of UV rays.
However, this varies and is typically a lower UV protection rating than a garden parasol. Also, rain umbrellas are much smaller and are unlikely to offer enough shade.
We would recommend using sunscreen as well as finding adequate shade to protect your skin.
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How to clean a garden umbrella
If the canopy cannot be removed and washed, it's recommended to simply wipe your parasol clean with warm, soapy water.
If your canopy has mould, there are mould cleaners available - or a mix of baking soda, lemon juice, salt and white vinegar sprayed liberally should do the job.
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